Carrot Seeds - Tendersweet - Daucus carota

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Grows as a cool-season annual in all zones. Carrots are a hardy root vegetable that can tolerate light frost and prefer consistent cool temperatures for development.

Best performance in Zones 3-10 during the cooler parts of the year.

Northern zones (2-5) - Plant in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, and again in mid-to-late summer for a fall harvest. A layer of mulch can help maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Hot climate zones (9-11) - Best grown in late fall, winter, and early spring. Avoid planting during the peak of summer heat, which can cause the carrots to become bitter.

Soil temperature needs - Germination is best in a cool soil, with an optimal soil temperature between 50-75F. Consistent soil moisture is critical for germination.

Growing season needs - Requires 60-75 days to maturity, making it an excellent crop for succession planting and extending the harves

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, about 3-5 weeks before the last expected frost date. For a continuous harvest, plant a new batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks until mid-summer. For a fall crop, sow seeds in mid-to-late summer, about 10 weeks before the first expected frost.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day). The most important factor for growing straight, well-formed carrots is loose, well-draining soil that is free of rocks and clumps. Amend heavy or compacted soil with sand and compost to improve drainage and texture. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.

Sowing Seeds:

Prepare a garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of at least 10-12 inches. Rake the surface smooth and remove any stones or debris.

Sow seeds very thinly in rows about 12-18 inches apart. Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.

Gently water the seedbed. The most critical step is to keep the soil surface consistently moist during the entire germination period, which can take 7-21 days.

Once seedlings are about 1 inch tall, thin them to a final spacing of 2-3 inches apart. This is crucial for giving the roots enough room to grow.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Inconsistent watering can lead to splitting or cracking of the carrots.

Fertilizing: Carrots do not need a lot of fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of root development.

Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants once they are established to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Weeding: Keep the area weed-free, as weeds will compete with the carrots for nutrients and water. Be careful when weeding around carrots to avoid disturbing their delicate roots.

Harvesting:
Harvest carrots when they reach the desired size, about 8-10 inches long. The tops of the carrots may push out of the soil, giving you a clue to their size. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the carrot and pull it from the ground by its leafy top.